Bourbon

[USCATX 1067]

10 hours ago, Bert Orange said:

And, sigh, because it’s Indiana inside. Texas distillate still sucks. 

But it kind of disproves the “Texas climate doesn’t work for bourbon” theory, right?  I know I thought maybe it was too hot and not enough cold but maybe the distillates just suck.  That seems easier to fix than the climate. 

[BigDHornfan 6541]

Only green labels tonight.

[msudawg 371]

3 hours ago, BigDHornfan said:

Still Austin, IronRoot and Balcones Single Malts.

Go Stars!!!

Meh. Still never enjoyed any balcones. But still Austin is impressing. 

Well minus a certain groups pick I tried. 

 

Ironroot best thing going in Texas though. 

[billfromlaketravis 11362]

2 hours ago, USCATX said:

But it kind of disproves the “Texas climate doesn’t work for bourbon” theory, right?  I know I thought maybe it was too hot and not enough cold but maybe the distillates just suck.  That seems easier to fix than the climate. 

It could be the water. 

[Guest]

Maybe it's the mesquite barrels...

[Bert Orange 1115]

13 hours ago, USCATX said:

But it kind of disproves the “Texas climate doesn’t work for bourbon” theory, right?  I know I thought maybe it was too hot and not enough cold but maybe the distillates just suck.  That seems easier to fix than the climate. 

Climate is the biggest driver. And those 16 year MGP barrels were aged in Indiana. Not in Texas. 

[Bert Orange 1115]

16 years in San Antonio heat would yield two bottles per barrel - of soy sauce. 

[huge 3788]

14 hours ago, BigDHornfan said:

Only green labels tonight.

This one is a hammer.  Mine is also 131 and drinks pretty smooth but man it hits hard.  I might have to revisit tonight.  

[USCATX 1067]

5 hours ago, Bert Orange said:

Climate is the biggest driver. And those 16 year MGP barrels were aged in Indiana. Not in Texas. 

Damn, I thought I read they were aged down here.  That’s disappointing. 

[Hank Kingsley 20704]

I've only had the Still Austin musician and find it quite boring. 

Congrats to them for making a drinkable Texas distillate, but IMO there is no complexity or memorable tasting notes. Value isn't there either. 

[Hank Kingsley 20704]

5 hours ago, Bert Orange said:

16 years in San Antonio heat would yield two bottles per barrel - of soy sauce. 

It feels like all the Texas distillers would agree that any barrels aged for more than 5 years here would almost be undrinkable. 

 

 

[Bert Orange 1115]

17 minutes ago, Hank Kingsley said:

It feels like all the Texas distillers would agree that any barrels aged for more than 5 years here would almost be undrinkable. 

 

 

No doubt. It just isn’t going to happen. Take Rebecca Creek Double barrel for example. They rebarrel MGP and age it briefly in Texas (most of its life in Indiana). And it adds so much damn Texas funk that it completely distorts the MGP profile (it ain’t the wood). But people dig it. Makes it highly complex. 
 

Also take another extreme….Indian whiskey. I love me some Amrut. You should look up the yield on that shit after 4-5 years of aging. It’s completely nuts how much the angels take. 10-12% per YEAR. So barrel s less than half full at maturity. THEN consider that their premium line, aptly named “Greedy Angels”, is aged 10 YEARS!  Suffice to say it’s quite limited. Lmao. 

[Bert Orange 1115]

Thanks for joining my Ted talk about whiskey. 

[Hank Kingsley 20704]

20 minutes ago, Bert Orange said:

No doubt. It just isn’t going to happen. Take Rebecca Creek Double barrel for example. They rebarrel MGP and age it briefly in Texas (most of its life in Indiana). And it adds so much damn Texas funk that it completely distorts the MGP profile (it ain’t the wood). But people dig it. Makes it highly complex. 
 

Also take another extreme….Indian whiskey. I love me some Amrut. You should look up the yield on that shit after 4-5 years of aging. It’s completely nuts how much the angels take. 10-12% per YEAR. So barrel s less than half full at maturity. THEN consider that their premium line, aptly named “Greedy Angels”, is aged 10 YEARS!  Suffice to say it’s quite limited. Lmao. 

 

Yep, the ideal way to use Texas climate is to barrel finish here. What could take a couple of years in Kentucky/Indiana will only take 2-5 months in Texas. 

[Bert Orange 1115]

4 minutes ago, Hank Kingsley said:

 

Yep, the ideal way to use Texas climate is to barrel finish here. What could take a couple of years in Kentucky/Indiana will only take 2-5 months in Texas. 

We are sending our fine Texas honey to KY/TENN for them to use in finishing their bourbon. I say fuck that. We should be buying Indiana shit and finishing our own here. It’s OUR damn honey. 

[billfromlaketravis 11362]

2 hours ago, USCATX said:

Damn, I thought I read they were aged down here.  That’s disappointing. 

How is Smoke Wagon aging their MGP? If they’re aging it in Vegas they have to be using climate control. 

[HouTex 1850]

I don’t get the goal of making a great whiskey from Texas.  Kentucky (Tennessee?) makes great product.  There’s a reason why it’s worked out that way.  Take wine.  Texas will never make good, much less great, wine.  That’s ok.  We do other shit really well. 

[billfromlaketravis 11362]

21 minutes ago, HouTex said:

I don’t get the goal of making a great whiskey from Texas.  Kentucky (Tennessee?) makes great product.  There’s a reason why it’s worked out that way.  Take wine.  Texas will never make good, much less great, wine.  That’s ok.  We do other shit really well. 

Jack makes great whiskey. You can remove the question mark. 

[Bert Orange 1115]

3 hours ago, billfromlaketravis said:

How is Smoke Wagon aging their MGP? If they’re aging it in Vegas they have to be using climate control. 

They aren’t 

[RichUT 1791]

I've only had the Still Austin musician and find it quite boring. 
Congrats to them for making a drinkable Texas distillate, but IMO there is no complexity or memorable tasting notes. Value isn't there either. 

That’s a bit like saying you’re not impressed with Willet because you drank Pure Kentucky. The Musician is their entry level every day shelf bottle that is meant to always be available. You need to try the Cask Strength and a number of their distillery reserve series to fully grasp the progress they have made in a very short amount of time.

[billfromlaketravis 11362]

@GreenspointTexas do you have a review of Garrison Bros Lady Bird? 

[GreenspointTexas 9567]

1 hour ago, billfromlaketravis said:

@GreenspointTexas do you have a review of Garrison Bros Lady Bird? 

Not yet, but ill buy a bottle once it hits distro

 

if its anything like Laguna Madre, Balmorhea, or Cowboy, itll be fantastic

 

unpopular opinion, but there are good Texas wines, good Texas distillates, and good Texas beers/ciders… you just have to know where to look. 
 

I just cant get into people paying a fuck ton of money for stuff distilled in a giant metal shed in the midwest. You arent a fucking distillery unless you distill onsite. At least Balcones and Garrison Bros have a fucking ethos

[Bert Orange 1115]

I happen to love the high rye MGP profile more than most bourbon options (outside of brown forman). I also know that every bourbon now costs a fuck ton, so I have to be much more discerning with capital allocation / selection. But that big Midwest metal shed makes some really good shit if you know where to look. Will be trying the Still Austin cask strength this weekend and will report back if I’ve found a decent Texas distillate. I’ve been trying. Will keep trying. 
 

Just back from KY, and Heaven Hill is a series of giant metal sheds. And they produce more than anyone. So volume in and of itself is not an argument against quality. Much of what HH makes can be hot garbage too. 

Edited May 17, 2023 by Bert Orange

[Bert Orange 1115]

On the source Vs distill argument, I side with you. Don’t have any issue with NDPs, just call yourselves one. Not a distillery. 

[Party_Taco 3674]

Bert - Did you get a chance to try the new HH20 Mellow Corn Granddaddy while you were there?

I have the opportunity to buy one, but at a whopping $1650 it would have to be “best blowie of your life” good for me to really entertain.

The reviews seem to fall in the “good not great” area, so I’m seeking opinions. I like the but I’m not convinced…

[billfromlaketravis 11362]

3 hours ago, GreenspointTexas said:

Not yet, but ill buy a bottle once it hits distro

 

if its anything like Laguna Madre, Balmorhea, or Cowboy, itll be fantastic

 

unpopular opinion, but there are good Texas wines, good Texas distillates, and good Texas beers/ciders… you just have to know where to look. 
 

I just cant get into people paying a fuck ton of money for stuff distilled in a giant metal shed in the midwest. You arent a fucking distillery unless you distill onsite. At least Balcones and Garrison Bros have a fucking ethos

No judgment GP. More Heaven Hill, BT, and MGP for the rest of us.

Lady Bourbon is an interesting bourbon. Finished in honey infused barrels, and then cognac barrels. 

[Bert Orange 1115]

22 minutes ago, Party_Taco said:

Bert - Did you get a chance to try the new HH20 Mellow Corn Granddaddy while you were there?

I have the opportunity to buy one, but at a whopping $1650 it would have to be “best blowie of your life” good for me to really entertain.

The reviews seem to fall in the “good not great” area, so I’m seeking opinions. I like the but I’m not convinced…

It’s kinda meh. That said they regularly go for half that. 

[Longhornfan1024 1707]

23 minutes ago, Party_Taco said:

Bert - Did you get a chance to try the new HH20 Mellow Corn Granddaddy while you were there?

I have the opportunity to buy one, but at a whopping $1650 it would have to be “best blowie of your life” good for me to really entertain.

The reviews seem to fall in the “good not great” area, so I’m seeking opinions. I like the but I’m not convinced…

I'll help you out.  No bourbon is worth that much.  

[Bert Orange 1115]

24 minutes ago, Party_Taco said:

Bert - Did you get a chance to try the new HH20 Mellow Corn Granddaddy while you were there?

I have the opportunity to buy one, but at a whopping $1650 it would have to be “best blowie of your life” good for me to really entertain.

The reviews seem to fall in the “good not great” area, so I’m seeking opinions. I like the but I’m not convinced…

If you haven’t had HH17, I highly suggest that over the 20. It’s vastly superior. 

[Bert Orange 1115]

Excited to try some overpriced metal shed juice. 
 

 

[billfromlaketravis 11362]

I picked up some Maker's BEP today. Great value at $65.99 after taxes. 

[Bert Orange 1115]

4 hours ago, Longhornfan1024 said:

I'll help you out.  No bourbon is worth that much.  

You haven’t had 23 year old wheated Bernheim at 138.5 proof picked by Evan Kulsveen. 
 

But your point is no less valid. 

Edited May 17, 2023 by Bert Orange

[Bozo_Casanova 26283]

I had some Old Forester 100 yesterday. It was really good. Cost me $24+ tax

[BigDHornfan 6541]

I had some Old Forester 100 yesterday. It was really good. Cost me $24+ tax

That and EW BiB are the 2 best values out there.
Both are damn good

[billfromlaketravis 11362]

31 minutes ago, Bozo_Casanova said:

I had some Old Forester 100 yesterday. It was really good. Cost me $24+ tax

It tastes great. Zykan let it slip once they blend 8 year old distillate into OF100.

[USCATX 1067]

7 hours ago, Bert Orange said:

Excited to try some overpriced metal shed juice. 
 

 

Hope you like it.  $250 after tax for something you don’t love always hurts a bit. 

[USCATX 1067]

8 hours ago, Party_Taco said:

Bert - Did you get a chance to try the new HH20 Mellow Corn Granddaddy while you were there?

I have the opportunity to buy one, but at a whopping $1650 it would have to be “best blowie of your life” good for me to really entertain.

The reviews seem to fall in the “good not great” area, so I’m seeking opinions. I like the but I’m not convinced…

Absolutely not at that price. Boutiquey bottled a couple different HH corn whiskeys with age statements that routinely go for $100 or less or you could get a 40+ year Chronicles Canadian corn whiskey off the shelf for Rebecca Creek 16 money if you want to try some old corn whiskey. 

[KeysPhoneWallet 807]

Not yet, but ill buy a bottle once it hits distro
 
if its anything like Laguna Madre, Balmorhea, or Cowboy, itll be fantastic
 
unpopular opinion, but there are good Texas wines, good Texas distillates, and good Texas beers/ciders… you just have to know where to look. 
 
I just cant get into people paying a fuck ton of money for stuff distilled in a giant metal shed in the midwest. You arent a fucking distillery unless you distill onsite. At least Balcones and Garrison Bros have a fucking ethos

I’m trying to find some, a little came out on Monday but it was gone right away. I think GB is getting better and better and cowboy/balmorhea/Guadalupe are awesome. Their other offerings I pass on bc of price.

[billfromlaketravis 11362]

33 minutes ago, KeysPhoneWallet said:

I’m trying to find some, a little came out on Monday but it was gone right away. I think GB is getting better and better and cowboy/balmorhea/Guadalupe are awesome. Their other offerings I pass on bc of price.

If you’re really into Garrison Bros, I believe you sign up to help them bottle it in exchange for early access to a discounted bottle. 
 

I’m sure you know all this, but for others in the thread it’s a nice tour and a lovely property. 

Edited May 18, 2023 by billfromlaketravis

[Bert Orange 1115]

19 hours ago, Bert Orange said:

Excited to try some overpriced metal shed juice. 
 

 

Surprised by this one. Definitely near oak maturity. Not overpowering, but another year would likely have put it over the edge. Lower proof than some of these at 120+, so the flavors are more discernible. Touch of molasses and brown sugar complement the wood well. Shocked by the silky mouthfeel. Almost no oil that MGP is prone to have, especially at high age. Floral notes and honeysuckle in the background. 
 

Worth $205?  Debatable. Probably not.  But it’s a great pour that I’ll savor. And considering what hyper aged MGP sells for in secondary, it’s a relative “bargain”. 

[BigDHornfan 6541]

I was able to grab a Penelope Rio today.  Really looking forward to this one.  

[stork642 4498]

Picked up two more J J Bowman SiB today but decided on this tonight.  Just as good as always.  

[Herbie Hancock 7307]

Alright guys, hear me out....

[billfromlaketravis 11362]

51 minutes ago, stork642 said:

Picked up two more J J Bowman SiB today but decided on this tonight.  Just as good as always.  

John Bowman has been giving me trouble. I think Spec’s bosses have handed down clear instructions to put it out on the floor. 
 

The secret is out that it drinks like 100 proof Eagle Rare. 

[BigDHornfan 6541]

Fucking A. This is a damn good bottle.
I typically don’t ever see eye to eye or pay much attention to or give 2 shits about reviews as they are usually slanted or paid for, but I will say I concur with Breaking Bourbon’s assessment on this one.

[Longhornfan1024 1707]

Plus rep to those who suggested OF100.  This stuff is really good and a fucking steal at that price.  

[billfromlaketravis 11362]

2 hours ago, Longhornfan1024 said:

Plus rep to those who suggested OF100.  This stuff is really good and a fucking steal at that price.  

I’ll get flamed, but the what the hell. I drink it in moderation. Nightmare hangover fuel, but yes it tastes very good. 

[billfromlaketravis 11362]

TexAgs has a New Riff barrel too now. They’re really putting us to shame fellas. 

[Bert Orange 1115]

Happy Friday bitches!  The sixes just had a birthday and time to celebrate. 

[billfromlaketravis 11362]

42 minutes ago, Bert Orange said:

Happy Friday bitches!  The sixes just had a birthday and time to celebrate. 

Better than their ryes?